This is what some of our current students and recent graduates have to say about studying at the University of Bolton, their hopes, aspirations and life in the construction industry.

Jenni McCaul

BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology graduate

"After leaving school with A-levels, I got a job as a trainee architectural technologist with a local firm. My company offered to sponsor my studies, letting me choose the uni I wanted. I chose Bolton because it has a great reputation and close links with the industry, meaning my degree will be recognised, and highly valued, as I progress in my career."

(October 2010)

Mathias Elle

Studying BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

"The architecture degrees in my home country of Denmark are purely art degrees. I wanted a course with a more holistic approach – a mix of the practical, hands-on and artistic aspects of the subject. The course at Bolton seemed perfect for me as you get to work in multi-disciplinary teams mimicking the industry mode of working.

The University's environment was really attractive because it's small and friendly. While I wanted to be close to a big city, I wanted a more personal environment in which to study."

(October 2009)

Dennis Gilbert

HNC Building Studies graduate
BSc (Hons) Building Surveying & Property Management graduate
Currently Assistant Contracts Manager, Symphony Housing Group Ltd

"I always had the desire to complete an HNC course when I was an apprentice joiner ..." (read what Dennis has to say|).

(May 2011)

Gareth Hansom

Studying MSc Construction Management

"I am pleased with the emphasis on current issues that are studied throughout the course and there is a positive balance of education and industry professionals to deliver the course content. In particular, I enjoyed and gained a great deal of knowledge from the Project Management module, which was delivered very enthusiastically and dealt with many cutting-edge issues."

(November 2010)

Barbara Entwistle

MSc Construction Management graduate
Currently Area Manager for VELUX

"Working in construction means that you are constantly leaving a legacy for the next generation. It's a great industry and I'm happy to be part of it. While I may not be around in 50 years' time, it's good to know that the buildings I work on will."

(April 2009)

John Dawson

Studying BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering

"I have worked for United Utilities for seven years as Area Project Manager in the Capital Maintenance Department. Studying the Civil Engineering degree at the University of Bolton will help me work towards Chartered Engineer status with the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE). The course came highly recommended to me by a manager who also studied here.

The course allows me to apply the theory I've learned to projects that I'm currently working on. The very practical nature of the course and the high quality of teaching and support at Bolton would certainly make me recommend the course to colleagues and employers."

(October 2010)

Stephanie Pegg

Studying BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering

"I have been working for Balfour Beatty as a geotechnical engineer for three-and-a-half years. I've always been interested in engineering and studying this course will allow me to progress within the company to a more senior role in the design department. The course will also give me Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status, which will greatly improve my employment prospects in the future. One of the aspects of the course that I particularly enjoy is that it's very practical, rather than just covering the theory. I can apply this knowledge to my current job and it helps prepare me for projects that I will work on in the future."

(December 2010)

Daniel Earls

Studying BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering

"I am really looking forward to the more practical side of the course. For instance, we'll be visiting the Bolton One construction site at various stages of completion. It's a fantastic opportunity to have live building work on campus, as it gives students such as myself the chance to see how the theory we learn is put into practice in the industry."

(October 2010)

Joshua Alcock

Studying BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management

"When I came on an open day I found the University environment really appealing and the course structure and layout was more interesting and vocationally relevant than at other unis I'd visited. I'm really enjoying the course now I'm here - the tutors talk to you on a one-to-one level and know everyone by their first names.

Socially the Uni is so much fun – I'm loving The Loft and I've joined loads of clubs and societies. I'm also living in halls and I've made loads of great friends – it's always a laugh. The halls are central to everything so they're a great base for getting to Uni, going out in Bolton and doing the mundane stuff like shopping at the supermarket."

(December 2008)

Eddy Horace

Studying BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management

"I come from the Seychelles where the University of Bolton has an excellent reputation. Since I've always wanted to study quantity surveying it was the obvious choice, and while the environment is very different to home I'm definitely enjoying myself."

(October 2009)

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